Wards now shut at two of Wales' major hospitals amid sickness problems

Three wards have been shut at one of Wales’ biggest hospitals due to an outbreak of sickness and diarrhoea.

Two hospitals in Wales have been forced to shut some wards after an outbreak of sickness and diarrhoea.

Three wards at Swansea’s Morriston Hospital have been closed alongside three wards in Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest.

The Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University (ABMU) Health Board says wards Dan Danino, Cyril Lewis and Ward S at Morriston Hospital are closed to admissions because patients and hospital staff have experienced high levels of sickness.

Norovirus, the "winter vomiting bug", has not been ruled out but tests have not yet confirmed its presence.

An ABMU spokeswoman said: "If you have had sickness and/or diarrhoea or have been near someone who has, please do not visit the hospital.

"We are starting to see an increasing number of cases in the community and subsequently this does affect patients and wards in hospitals.

"Everyone can help stop sickness and diarrhoea spreading by making sure they wash their hands thoroughly, especially after going to the toilet and before preparing for eating food.

"If you have sickness and/or diarrhoea it is important you stay at home for at least 48 hours from the last time you were sick and/or had diarrhoea.

Meanwhile, Hywel Dda health board said ward seven, the acute coronary unit and the coronary care unit (CCU) are shut and visiting is restricted across the whole of Withybush hospital, with Norovirus confirmed in some cases.

Hywel Dda Health Board has issued an urgent appeal to the public not to visit if possible.

Relatives are asked to call the wards first because of the restrictions.

Norovirus causes vomiting, stomach cramps, fever and diarrhoea, and is easily spread from person to person.

Symptoms usually begin between 12 to 48 hours after a person becomes infected, with most healthy people making a recovery within one to three days.

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